Mask Mandate Disappears: Elmhurst D-205 Addresses Change

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst School District 205's superintendent on Sunday noted a judge's order suspending the state's mask mandate. But she said she strongly recommended students and staff continue to wear masks.

District 205 was one of nearly 150 defendant districts in litigation challenging Gov. J.B. Pritzker's mask requirement for schools.

On Friday, a Sangamon County judge issued a temporary restraining order suspending the mask mandate.

Nearby District 181 in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills canceled in-person schooling for Monday, going to remote learning. It said the dropping of the mask mandate may cause disruptions.

District 205, however, is proceeding as usual. In her mass email Sunday, Superintendent Keisha Campbell noted the "myriad of perspectives" on pandemic-related issues.

"The importance of respect and kindness remain key as we move forward," Campbell said. "We know that the pandemic has created challenges for all of us. We will continue to echo the necessity of fostering a climate of respect and acceptance for all community members, regardless of vaccination status or views on masking."

This reflected her statements last summer when she recommended the district go mask optional. The school board voted in favor of her proposal at the time, but the governor issued a statewide mask mandate shortly after.

Like the rest of the country, the mask issue is fraught with tensions in Elmhurst. In November, nearly 100 residents attended a protest at Emerson Elementary School to show support for a fifth grader who refused to wear a mask. And a month later, pro-mask residents shouted down an anti-mask speaker for not wearing a mask.

Despite Friday's ruling, Campbell said masks are still required for the time being on school buses, based on a separate federal mandate. Other districts have given similar guidance.